Newsroom
US President Donald Trump is expected to tell Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan that he is prepared to support Turkey's return to the F-35 fighter jet programme, reversing a decision taken during his first term in office that excluded Ankara over security concerns.
The announcement could come during Trump's visit to Ankara for this week's NATO summit, where the two leaders are due to meet shortly after the US president arrives. Administration officials have indicated that Trump wants to restart the process that would eventually allow Turkey to purchase the advanced stealth aircraft, although no timetable has been confirmed.
The proposal still faces significant obstacles. US law passed in 2020 prevents the sale of F-35 jets to Turkey unless Washington determines that the country no longer possesses the Russian-made S-400 air defence system. Any attempt to change course is also likely to face scrutiny from members of Congress, where opposition remains.
Turkey was removed from the multinational F-35 programme in 2019 after purchasing the S-400 system from Russia. US officials argued at the time that operating both systems together could expose sensitive information about the fighter jet's stealth technology and other advanced capabilities. The United States also imposed sanctions on Turkey's defence procurement agency, which remain in force.
According to US administration officials, one option under discussion would involve transferring Turkey's S-400 systems to a third country. Many of the systems are reportedly still in their original shipping containers.
Ankara has spent several years seeking re-entry into the programme but has previously refused to give up the Russian air defence system. Aircraft already paid for by Turkey but never delivered remain stored in the United States, according to the Congressional Research Service.
Trump has previously indicated that he would like to resolve the dispute. Vice President JD Vance recently confirmed that the president had instructed officials to examine legal options for allowing Turkey back into the programme while complying with existing US legislation. Administration officials have suggested that Trump and Erdogan could exchange formal letters as an initial step.
The issue has attracted criticism from some US lawmakers, including senior Republicans, who remain unconvinced that Turkey should regain access to the F-35.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also criticised the prospect of restoring the sale. Speaking in a television interview, he argued that Turkey's leadership has taken positions hostile to Israel and pointed to Ankara's military presence in northern Cyprus as well as tensions with Greece.
Trump's visit comes during an important week for NATO. The US president has repeatedly pressed European allies to increase defence spending and has expressed frustration over what he believes has been insufficient support for recent American military operations. He is also expected to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during the summit before returning to Washington.
